Police Reminder: ‘See Something, Say Something’

The Montgomery County Police Department today offered its sympathies to those affected by the bombings at the Boston Marathon on Monday and is reminding residents to report suspicious activity.

It published a list of tips from the Department of Homeland Security’s national “If You See Something, Say Something” public awareness campaign:

Surveillance: Recording or monitoring activities. May include drawing diagrams, note taking, use of cameras, binoculars or other vision-enhancing devices or possessing floor plans or blueprints of key facilities.

Elicitation: Attempts to obtain operation, security and/or personnel-related information about a facility. Attempts may be made by mail, fax, e-mail, telephone or in person.

Tests of Security: Attempts to measure reaction times to security breaches or to penetrate physical security barriers or procedures in order to assess strengths and weaknesses.

Acquiring Supplies: Attempts to improperly acquire items that could be used in a terrorist act. May include the acquisition of explosives, weapons, harmful chemicals, flight manuals, law enforcement or military equipment, uniforms, identification badges or the equipment to manufacture false identification.

Suspicious Persons:Someone who does not appear to belong in a workplace, neighborhood or business establishment due to their behavior. May ask unusual questions.

Dry Runs/Trial Runs: Behavior that appears to be preparation for a terrorist act without actually committing the act. Activity could include mapping out routes and determining the timing of traffic lights and flow.

Deploying Assets: Placing people, equipment and supplies into position to commit the act. This is the last opportunity to alert authorities before the terrorist act occurs.